IX. Graduate Programs

Economics

PhD Program

The objective of the PhD program is to train individuals who already have a strong background in economics to become independent
and skilled researchers, in preparation for a career in academia, government or the private sector. Course offerings cover
a broad range of topics in theoretical and applied economics. PhD candidates may write a dissertation in any of the areas
of expertise of the graduate faculty in the Department.

Graduates are expected to have demonstrated competence at an advanced level in the core areas of Microeconomic theory, Macroeconomic
theory, and Econometrics, to have demonstrated competence at the cutting edge of knowledge in their area of specialization
and advanced competence in at least one other area, and to have demonstrated mature scholarship, research and communication
abilities.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program should have a master's degree in economics with a minimum average of 80% (A-) in their postgraduate
studies. Applicants without a master's degree but with an outstanding record at the baccalaureate level, may be admitted initially
to the MA program in economics. For students who achieve a superior record and show an aptitude for research, The Board of
Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Department, may authorize transfer to the PhD program without requiring the
student to complete a master's degree.

Program Requirements

The program requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 12 courses covering core theory, econometrics, and field
courses. (Students with an MA will be given credit for courses already in hand, where appropriate). The following sequence
of milestones represents the typical path through the PhD program.

Year I: Core Courses

Students must complete the following courses, in preparation for the comprehensive examinations in economic theory, which
is written at the end of Year I:

Theory

Year II: Dissertation Proposal

After the theory comprehensive exams are passed, students must prepare a PhD proposal under the supervision of a faculty member.
Proposals are presented to the Department at a symposium, and upon acceptance the Graduate Program Coordinator will notify
the Assistant Vice-President (Graduate Studies) that the student has passed the "Qualifying Examination" requirement as set
out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. At this point, the student becomes a "candidate" for the PhD.

Year III and IV: Thesis

Submission and defence of an acceptable thesis on a topic approved by the student's advisory committee completes the requirements
for the PhD. The thesis is expected to be a significant and original contribution to knowledge in its field and must demonstrate
scholarship and critical judgement on the part of the candidate. Theses must be submitted within 48 months of completing the
minimum duration.